A brand-new, really unsafe cryptocurrency miner infection has been discovered by security researchers. The malware, called WindowsDefender64.exe can contaminate target sufferers using a selection of ways. The essence behind the WindowsDefender64.exe miner is to utilize cryptocurrency miner tasks on the computers of victims in order to obtain Monero tokens at victims cost. The result of this miner is the elevated electrical energy costs and also if you leave it for longer periods of time WindowsDefender64.exe may also harm your computers parts.
WindowsDefender64.exe: Distribution Methods
The WindowsDefender64.exe malware uses 2 prominent methods which are utilized to contaminate computer targets:
- Payload Delivery using Prior Infections. If an older WindowsDefender64.exe malware is released on the victim systems it can automatically upgrade itself or download and install a more recent version. This is feasible via the integrated upgrade command which acquires the launch. This is done by linking to a specific predefined hacker-controlled server which gives the malware code. The downloaded and install infection will certainly get the name of a Windows solution and also be positioned in the “%system% temp” location. Important buildings and operating system arrangement files are altered in order to allow a persistent and silent infection.
- Software Program Vulnerability Exploits. The most current version of the WindowsDefender64.exe malware have actually been found to be brought on by the some exploits, famously known for being made use of in the ransomware strikes. The infections are done by targeting open services by means of the TCP port. The assaults are automated by a hacker-controlled structure which looks up if the port is open. If this condition is fulfilled it will scan the service and obtain information regarding it, including any type of variation and setup data. Ventures and also prominent username and also password combinations may be done. When the exploit is caused against the at risk code the miner will certainly be deployed together with the backdoor. This will provide the a dual infection.
Aside from these methods various other approaches can be used too. Miners can be distributed by phishing e-mails that are sent in bulk in a SPAM-like fashion and rely on social engineering techniques in order to perplex the sufferers right into thinking that they have actually received a message from a reputable solution or business. The infection data can be either straight affixed or put in the body contents in multimedia material or text links.
The criminals can additionally produce destructive landing pages that can impersonate supplier download web pages, software application download websites and also other frequently accessed areas. When they make use of comparable appearing domain to legitimate addresses and security certifications the customers may be coerced into engaging with them. In some cases simply opening them can activate the miner infection.
Another strategy would certainly be to use payload service providers that can be spread out utilizing the above-mentioned methods or via data sharing networks, BitTorrent is among the most popular ones. It is frequently made use of to distribute both legit software and documents as well as pirate content. Two of one of the most popular haul carriers are the following:
Other methods that can be thought about by the lawbreakers consist of the use of internet browser hijackers -harmful plugins which are made compatible with one of the most popular web browsers. They are submitted to the relevant databases with phony user reviews and also developer credentials. In many cases the summaries might include screenshots, video clips and also sophisticated summaries promising excellent function improvements as well as efficiency optimizations. However upon installation the actions of the impacted internet browsers will transform- individuals will certainly locate that they will certainly be redirected to a hacker-controlled touchdown page and their setups may be changed – the default web page, search engine and also new tabs page.
WindowsDefender64.exe: Analysis
The WindowsDefender64.exe malware is a classic case of a cryptocurrency miner which depending on its arrangement can trigger a wide variety of hazardous actions. Its primary objective is to carry out intricate mathematical jobs that will certainly make the most of the readily available system sources: CPU, GPU, memory and also hard disk space. The method they operate is by attaching to an unique server called mining pool where the required code is downloaded. As soon as among the tasks is downloaded it will certainly be begun simultaneously, multiple circumstances can be gone for once. When a given task is completed an additional one will be downloaded in its location and also the loophole will continue till the computer system is powered off, the infection is removed or an additional similar event happens. Cryptocurrency will certainly be awarded to the criminal controllers (hacking group or a single hacker) directly to their pocketbooks.
An unsafe quality of this group of malware is that examples like this one can take all system sources and also virtually make the sufferer computer system pointless up until the hazard has actually been completely removed. A lot of them feature a consistent installment that makes them really challenging to get rid of. These commands will certainly make adjustments to boot options, configuration data and also Windows Registry values that will certainly make the WindowsDefender64.exe malware beginning instantly when the computer is powered on. Accessibility to healing food selections and options may be blocked which renders lots of hands-on removal overviews virtually pointless.
This specific infection will arrangement a Windows solution for itself, following the performed protection analysis ther following activities have been observed:
. During the miner procedures the connected malware can link to currently running Windows services and also third-party mounted applications. By doing so the system administrators might not observe that the resource tons comes from a different procedure.
Name | WindowsDefender64.exe |
---|---|
Category | Trojan |
Sub-category | Cryptocurrency Miner |
Dangers | High CPU usage, Internet speed reduction, PC crashes and freezes and etc. |
Main purpose | To make money for cyber criminals |
Distribution | Torrents, Free Games, Cracked Apps, Email, Questionable Websites, Exploits |
Removal | Install GridinSoft Anti-Malware to detect and remove WindowsDefender64.exe |
These kind of malware infections are especially efficient at accomplishing sophisticated commands if set up so. They are based upon a modular structure allowing the criminal controllers to orchestrate all sort of dangerous habits. One of the popular instances is the adjustment of the Windows Registry – adjustments strings related by the os can trigger major efficiency interruptions and the inability to gain access to Windows services. Depending on the extent of changes it can also make the computer system entirely pointless. On the other hand adjustment of Registry worths coming from any kind of third-party mounted applications can undermine them. Some applications might fail to release altogether while others can unexpectedly stop working.
This certain miner in its current variation is focused on extracting the Monero cryptocurrency consisting of a changed variation of XMRig CPU mining engine. If the projects show successful after that future versions of the WindowsDefender64.exe can be launched in the future. As the malware uses software program susceptabilities to contaminate target hosts, it can be component of a hazardous co-infection with ransomware and also Trojans.
Elimination of WindowsDefender64.exe is highly suggested, since you run the risk of not just a large electrical energy bill if it is working on your PC, but the miner might additionally execute other undesirable tasks on it and also harm your COMPUTER permanently.
WindowsDefender64.exe removal process
STEP 1. First of all, you need to download and install GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
STEP 2. Then you should choose “Quick scan” or “Full scan”.
STEP 3. Run to scan your computer
STEP 4. After the scan is completed, you need to click on “Apply” button to remove WindowsDefender64.exe
STEP 5. WindowsDefender64.exe Removed!
Video Guide: How to use GridinSoft Anti-Malware for remove WindowsDefender64.exe
How to prevent your PC from being reinfected with “WindowsDefender64.exe” in the future.
A Powerful Antivirus solution that can detect and block fileless malware is what you need! Traditional solutions detect malware based on virus definitions, and hence they often cannot detect “WindowsDefender64.exe”. GridinSoft Anti-Malware provides protection against all types of malware including fileless malware such as “WindowsDefender64.exe”. GridinSoft Anti-Malware provides cloud-based behavior analyzer to block all unknown files including zero-day malware. Such technology can detect and completely remove “WindowsDefender64.exe”.